Truss production has changed dramatically over the past few decades. What once relied heavily on manual jig systems, operator experience, and physically demanding processes has steadily evolved into a more connected, automated, and data-driven environment. Today, elements such as software,...

I’ve had an upper hand in writing about wood components, having been immersed in this industry my entire professional life. My first job was testing connector plates, my second was writing truss software, my third was engineering trusses, my fourth was working at truss plants, and my fifth...

Often, when we write about BCMC, it’s after the event – when we’re looking back and reflecting on the exchanges we had, the questions we were asked, and the ideas that stayed with us long after the show floor closed. This year, I wanted to write before the event, as we look...

In the mid-20th century, Toyota revolutionized manufacturing with a clear idea: eliminate waste, optimize the flow of value, and improve continuously. Lean manufacturing changed how physical goods are built by putting the worker’s time and effort at the center of every decision. At...

For more than 20 years, we’ve referred to The JobLine as “Your Recruiter Down the Hall.” It isn’t just a slogan. It’s the philosophy that has guided how we’ve partnered with employers throughout the structural building components industry. Think about it....

The Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) and Framer Summit returns to Columbus, Ohio, September 14–18, bringing together component manufacturers, suppliers, framers, and industry professionals for a week centered on practical learning, emerging technology, and face-to-face...

Every so often, we get a reminder that even smart people can be stupid. It can be amusing to see, or frustrating, or perhaps no one even notices. But we’re allowed to notice, and harmlessly mock if appropriate, as long as we don’t take ourselves too seriously in the...

At the June SBCA Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM), we had the opportunity to see the latest in truss robotics and hear about a formerly overlooked engineering issue. While both experiences were worth the trip to Seattle, it was equally rewarding learning about an unfamiliar market and meeting many...

By July, most manufacturing leaders already have a good idea how the year is going. They know where orders are strong. They know where labor is tight. They know which customers are creating pressure. They know which departments are struggling to keep up. But the more important question is not...

Over the years, more than one person has referred to JobLine as the “eHarmony of the truss industry.” I usually laugh when I hear it, but the comparison does make a point. The goal of recruiting shouldn’t be getting someone to change jobs. It should be finding the right match...